Newbie question - Root Rot Problem: Has anyone in the U.S. bought from orchids.com?

[jenmonkey]

Hello all,

This is my first post and I am an orchid newb, so please forgive if I'm asking a silly question.

I bought my 3rd orchid, a zygopetalum of mature size from Orchids.com, and it has seemed to be healthy and happy (though spikeless) for the past couple of months. (URL of the scientific name and pic here: ORCHIDS.COM : SHOP : BOTANICAL : DETAIL)

However, I went away for the weekend and its leaves have begun to yellow (sometimes from the tip, sometimes from the base), turn brown, and fall off. There are four mature pseudobulbs and a couple of new growths, and the whole plant looks really green and healthy. I tried repotting, and discovered that about half of the roots are starting to turn a bit brownish and a little slimy, so I'm guessing that I have a root rot problem.

It is potted in a medium bark mix and gets plenty of indirect light and no standing water, so I'm wondering if it started rotting before I received it. I'm going to do some surgery tonight and see if I can't save what I hope will be my favorite orchid, but I wanted to get some feedback from the more educated masses on whether or not I should buy from them again.

Does anyone know if Orchids.com is reputable or not? If not, are there any better online sites I may patronize to continue my fledgling collection? I also am having a problem with a phael/dendrobium hybrid that I bought form the local Safeway, but I'll save that for another post. However, I also have a very healthy Phael (my first orchid) and a young Vanilla Planifolia that is extremely happy winding its way around my bathroom window, so I'm not a *total* inept loser at these gorgeous plants.

Help me find a reputable outlet for my burgeoning obsession, please! Oh, and thank you all for the knowledge that I have gleaned thus far by simply lurking and reading!

-Jen

[Swamper]

Hi Jen and welcome to the OB. I saw the picture and I can see why it could become your favorite orchid, it's really beautiful and fragrant to boot. Although I don't buy online I have heard great things about Andy's and Oak Hill as well as some others, nut I'll let the online shoppers help you out. I'd love to see a picture of that Vanilla in your bathroom window sometime.

[King_of_orchid_growing:)]

I don't think that Oak Hill Gardens carries Zygopetalums right now. But Andy's does.

They're both reputable sellers.

I'm going to pm you regarding orchids.com (aka Norman's Orchids).

[Izzie]

I hope Norman's turns out okay- they're coming to my Orchid Society's show in October. (denver)

[UKCat]

Some hybrids of Zygo's are know for this type of behaviour, I have had one of mine do this to me several times oveer the last 3 years.
All the leaves fall off the bulbs stay firm and green then it re-grows for a few months and then off it goes again Yellow leaves, all dying off again and making a come back once again. I have tried re-potting, feeding, no feeding, more water, less water, one day I will find out what gives with this one plant.

I have heard of quite a few people having this problem with Zygo's. One person even stuck there one on the compost heap out of dispair only to see it a couple of weeks later with 6 new growth spikes so recued it.
I think it was the threat that did it

So don't give up I still get flowers on mine a couple of times a year and the fragrance is stunning so worth all the effort.

[jenmonkey]

Thanks guys! King, I got your PM, and that sounds like it could be a contributing factor. I do love the selection at Norman's so far, so maybe I will continue to buy from them at intervals, but will just immediately check and repot the chids I get. I really really really want this Zygo to survive and bloom, so I'm going to keep working on it. As you said in another post, never say die!!

UKCat, thanks for the information on Zygos. I suppose it was a bit of an ambitious buy for a newbie, but oh well. I enjoy a challenge. I think if the root system looks well and the bulbs are healthy and firm, I'm probably doing okay.

However, I was looking into getting some root stimulator to help it be happier in general (and also because I have a sick Phal/Dendrobium that I had to do major root surgery on, leaving only two roots...). Can anyone recommend a good product? I'm looking at getting the Essentials Growth Hormone from orchidsamore.com (which is run by an OB member, yes?) and I also am considering picking up a max. tenuifolia from him as well.

Suggestions? Would that be a good product for root growth?

[Izzie]

I have had amazing success with rooting solutions that are kelp/seaweed based. I'd highly recommend trying some out.

[jenmonkey]

Okay, I'm going to attempt to attach a few photos, and if I screw it up, I have uploaded an album on my profile.

First one is of the roots after rinsing and before repotting. Second is the general appearance of the plant, and third is a closeup of the bulbs and some new growth.

I think it's okay, actually. The roots feel firm and are all whiteish, and I couldn't find more rot to trim. I'm wondering if maybe the problem isn't a nitrogen deficiency or under fertilization... I'm starting a biweekly 3-1-1 fertilizer mix now and will hopefully have great news about my beloved Zygo soon.

On the upside, seems like my order from Norman's/orchids.com did not go as awry as I feared, so I can order again with more confidence!

Lesson learned from this - always immediately clean out the old potting medium and repot upon arrival.

-Jen

[UKCat]

Looking at the photos I would say that is a very healthy root system
And I can't see much wrong with the plant either, the leaf that is yellowing is an old leaf so may be just coming to it's natural end.
Over all I think it looks like a very good plant a would hope to expect flowers very soon

[RosieC]

I agree, those roots look good, as does the plant.